seiko

I left the hospital with an "open" surgical site. My surgeon said he stopped using the drains because of infection rates being high so he now leaves them "open". I have to pack gauze in it (its about 2 1/2 inches deep) twice a day. It "drains" as in the gauze "wicks" the Fluid out. It's not painful' date=' only thing is I have to dress it which is odd since I have to poke gauze down in it. He said it will heal on its own and I should feel the progression by not being able to pack as much gauze in each day... he said 2-3 weeks to close...I am 2 1/2 weeks post op.....and I think it'll be a week or so longer, not closed up as much as I thought it would be by now.[/quote']

Wow how did you feel when you found out you would have to do that. I think I may have been freaked out. I'm not real put off by blood and stuff but I think it would be hard to do it on myself. How does it not hurt?

Haven't had surgery to know if it is normal but blood in your urine seems like it would be a issue with kidney or bladder and not digestive system related. I would let your surgeon know but he may refer you to PCP. However blood in urine is not a normal thing and normally mean something is wrong so I would let someone know. But not a dr or have I had surgery. Hope everything is aright and you feel better soon.

I agree doodle, that was one reason I went back and forth on if I wanted the surgery cause I didn't want to lose to much weight. I've seen so many people who have had it and think they went a lil to far but also have seen so that look great. After I have surgery I still want to have curves cause that's sexy where I'm from but also healthy.

Thanks y'all, it just seems like to leave the hospital with anything makes you more susceptible to infection.

My surgeon is old school and I had a NG tube' date=' a JP drain and a catheter. I came home with the drain and had it removed 9 days post op.[/quote']

While in the hospital did you eat through the NG tube?

I'm just starting my journey and have my first appt on the 5th but wanted to ask everyone that has had their surgery if you came home with anything attached to you. While reading a few post from the hospital forum where I will be having my surgery they talk about a GI tube and a drain still being in when they got home and not coming out till like 4 weeks. Also I read somewhere else that someone had the pain Med bubble thing (lol sorry don't remember what its called). I'm going to ask my dr at my appt but was interested in how many of you came home with something attached and how long till it was removed. Dr office told me 8-12 weeks from initial appt til surgery so I'm looking at end of Oct beginning of Nov so trying to get as much info as possible.

I've tried those when I was on a weight loss program through the hospital. There not bad. Are you able to eat that whole bag? Are do you just snack on a few pieces at a time? I think they can be found at diet direct.com. They also have other Snacks and foods with high Protein. I have only tried the pancakes but may try some others. Especially after I've had my surgery. My pcp gave me this site. She said it is where most of the weight loss programs get there stuff.

Thanks y'all, I'm trying to start a diet now even before my appt. I want to show them that I'm serious about getting this done. Its tough but I little easier cuz I'm broke cant buy a lot of juke, trying to make sure I can pay for the surgery. But I think it'll all be worth it in the end.

Congrats!!! That's right around the corner. Wishing you all the luck.

Hey, I'm just starting too. I see my surgeon on the 5th. I'm not going through insurance so I hope I can have my surgery sooner then later but we'll see what in stored at the appt. I love your idea a vlog and will definitely check it out. I've gotten a lot of info from this forum already just reading and the support is definitely there. Good luck with everything.

Thanks y'all, so it seems like the liver shrink diet is done by everyone just for different durations depending on your doctor. A liquid diet for 3 weeks that seems tough but I guess it sets you up for the rough times to follow. I'm ready to start my journey.

Thanks Jessica, Good luck to you too

No one???

Hi everyone, Im new here. Im 24 years old and have been thinking about gastric for a while now. Started the process to have it about 8 years ago but insurance wouldn't pay. Well recently I decided I want to do it again due to how my body is starting to feel (never really felt my weight til recently), and I got married last Oct and want to start a healthy family. I have been lucky and don't have any other medical problem (Thank GOD) except for my weight. I have an appointment with my doctor on Sept 5 to meet him and see what testing he wants before surgery. Im self paid because insurance still doesn't pay so I don't have to wait on any insurance clearences. So I'm hoping to have my surgery early Nov. I've seen that a lot of you have lost weight before your surgeries and I was wondering if it was a diet that you doctor placed you on before surgery and required you to lose some much weight before he did the surgery or if it was just from the 6 month program some of you had to do for insurance. Those of you that have had your surgeries are doing great and I can't wait to join you. I have enjoyed reading your post and look forward to getting more info from you on your experiences.